The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-10-29

demands laid upon every growing Christian
body. During recent years Missionary zeal
and activities have increased within our com
munion, more attention has been given to
Church extension and home missions, and
there has been growing appreciation of the
obligation that rests upon the Universalist
Church to do its part in the evangelizing of
the world. The questions involved in under
taking missionary work in distant lands
have been discussed in Universalist Conven-
ton and Association Meetings; several of our
State bodies have favored such action; and
the General Convention has expressed its
hope that the GLORIOUS work of carrying the
Gospel of great Joy to foreign lands might
be speedily entered upon"
Mindful of these facts, we come now to
consider the advisability of undertaking such
forward movement. This depends first of
all upon what is our duty in this respect.
That much is required of US in the way of
missionary endeavors will not be questioned.
There is a constant and irrepressible tenden-
cy in Christianity to spread itself abroad,
and all Christian organizations must do work
in accord with this principle. In his last
official command to his disciples our Saviour
said, "Go ye into all the world and preach
the Gospel to every creature" Does not this
injunction, the import of which appears in
the acts and lives of the Apostles, apply to
our Church with a force of binding obliga-
tion from which we cannot rightfuly excuse
ourselves for any long time? Are we not
about ready to consider the practical ques-
tions as to where, how, and to what extent,
we will! undertake the work of Christian mis-
sions in foreign fields?
The advisability of engaging in Foreign
Missionary work cannot be decided merely
on abstract principles. We must keep in
thought other and related interests; we must
consider the opportunities presented, and the
means and resources available. In such a
survey we find that the world was never so
hospitable to Christianity as now; never were
there so mary doors of opportunity opened,
or such encouragement given to missionary
labors as at the present time. The exclu-
siyeness of the old Empires in the East is fast
disappearing, and Christian teachers are now
welcomed in lands where not long ago their
work could only be prosecuted at the risk
of life itself. Japan offers specially in
viting field. All religions are now practic-
ally on the same footing there. The for
eigner is no longer hated and prosecuted.
American and English ideas are received
with favor. The English language is taught
in the schools and bids fair to become ere
long, not only the tongue of scholars, but of
all persons of average education. Christian
ity has already gained many converts and
accomplished mighty results.
AS d church have we not an interest in
these transformations and this marvellous
progress of a nation toward Christianity Do
We not desire to aid in the movement? May
we not believe that our Universallst faith
would commend itself TO intelligent J apanese,
and that missionaries going forth to proclaim
the gospel as we receive it would attain some
signal successes!
The adyisablliiy of engaging in such work
turns somewhat upon the question as to
whether or not the Uniyersalist Church has
the means and men requisite for such an en-,
terprise. Il appears that the expense of
maintaining mission in Japan need not
exceed $1,000 per year. This sum, it is be-
lieved, would provide for making the expert
ment in a creditable manner. With this sum
in hand, and a guarantee of a like amount to
be used annually for the next two or three
years, a movement such as has been pro-
posed might be entered upon; and your Com
mittee are assured that if the moderate sum
needed can be provided, there will not be
wanting those who will gladly go forth under
the auspices of the Unlversalist Church to
proclaim Christianity according to our inter
probation of the gospel. If there Is a suf1i-
cient sense of the obligation resting upon us
and the opportunity presented, your Com
mittee believe that the men and means re-
quired will be forthcoming.
Will the undertaking of such work in the
way proposed interfere with other enter
prises to which our Church is pledged? VIII
Home Missions suffer if we engage in a For
eIGn Mission? There may be some fears that
run in this direction; and the thought of many
devoted Unigersaistsi is that just now we need
to use Mt home all the money we can
raise. But may it not be said that Foreign
Missions have always helped the home work,
and that a Church when once 1t has began to
extend its ministries, gathers to itself new
power and resources, and thds Is able to aug
ment its accomplishments III the way of all
noble, true service? As rule the Churches
that give and do the most for foreign Mis-
sions attend most carefully to the work that
lies at their own doors. IN our view, there
would be no cla7hlng of interests, or retard-
ing of our Church work in any direction,
were the General Convention to decide upon
engaging in Christian Missions abroad. We
have the machinery for such an undertaking.
1t only needs that q definite movement be re-
solved upon, and an appeal made for special
contributions, to test lhe question whether
or not we are ready as a church to engage in
such an enterprise.
Your Committee have reached the follow
ing conclusions:
l. That it is the present duty of the Uni
versalist Church to engage il tt work OF For
eign Missions.
>. That Japan offers the most inviting
field for such work,
Your Committee also submit the following
recommendations:
l. That the trustees of the General Conven-
tion be instructed to solicit special contribu-
tions to be applied to the support of miss
sion in Japan; and invite gifts and bequests
for Foreign Mission Fund.
?. That as soon as a sufficient sum has
been received and definite pledges made to
Justify entering upon the movement, the